Terror threat looms over Delhi

Jan 24, 2013, 02.25AM ISTTNN[ Neeraj Chauhan ]

NEW DELHI: Pakistan-based terror outfits plan to carry out strikes on Republic Day to avenge the execution of Ajmal Kasab. TOI on Wednesday accessed an Intelligence Bureau input that says Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), al-Qaida and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan have jointly announced the plan to carry out blasts to disrupt celebrations.

Security agencies are taking this threat very seriously, as the aforementioned terror outfits have been crying for blood ever since Kasab was hanged at the Yerwada Jail in Pune on November 21 last year. "The explosives and ammunition for the attack have already been smuggled into the country," said a highly placed source in IB.

IB says the terrorists have identified four major targets in the capital— the Lotus Temple in south Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Gandhi Nagar market and a prominent Metro station.

The input goes on to add that a little-known outfit in Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, has planning a 26/11 type attack in the country on January 26. A source said the operatives have already been given Afghan passports to enter India.

Earlier, there was an intelligence input about Indian Mujahideen operatives looking at renting an apartment in the capital and taking help of sleeper cells to carry out strikes. Cops have been asked to keep tabs on sale of chemicals in Delhi, as IM usually makes bombs with easily available chemicals like ammonium nitrate.